FiiO FX17 vs Lime Ears Terra: which should you buy?

On aggregated review scores the FiiO FX17 comes out ahead with a HearWiki score of 83. The full breakdown - sub-scores, specs and what reviewers actually said - is below.

Our pick: FiiO FX17 - Outstanding overall at around $1499.

Wired IEMs

FiiO FX17

83Outstanding

$1,500

Full review data

Wired IEMs

Score breakdown

Each axis is a 0–10 blend of what reviewers scored, not a lab measurement.

Neither pulls ahead overall - they trade wins across the measures.

FiiO FX17
Lime Ears Terra

HearWiki score

Sound

9.0

8.6

Value

6.0

6.2

Price (USD)

$1,500

$1,200

Generation & platform

The scores rank quality. This is the other question: is the newer one actually newer technology, or the same platform in a new shell?

Same generation

The FiiO FX17 is 2 years newer, but it is the same generation of hardware: nothing in the radio, the codecs or the noise cancelling separates them. Nothing separates them on convenience features either, so the choice comes down to tuning and price.

FX1720262 yr newer
Terra2024

Specifications

FX17Terra

Type: Wired IEMs; Wired IEMs
Price (USD): $1,500; $1,200
HearWiki score: 83; 73
Released: 2026; 2024
Availability: Sold new; Discontinued
Driver: 1DD + 4BA + 8EST tribrid; 1DD + 5BA hybrid
Driver type: tribrid; hybrid
Driver configuration: 1DD + 4BA + 8EST; 1DD + 5BA
Driver size: 10 mm; 7 mm
Drivers per side: 13; 6
Impedance: 16 Ω; -
Sensitivity: 99 dB/mW; -
Active noise cancelling: No; -
Weight: 12.2 g; -
Detachable cable: Yes; -
Connector: 4.4 mm balanced; -

Specification comparison of FiiO FX17 vs Lime Ears Terra
Spec	FiiO FX17	Lime Ears Terra
Type	Wired IEMs	Wired IEMs
Price (USD)	$1,500	$1,200
HearWiki score	83 / 100 Outstanding	73 / 100 Great
Released	2026	2024
Audio
Driver	1DD + 4BA + 8EST tribrid	1DD + 5BA hybrid
Driver type	tribrid	hybrid
Driver configuration	1DD + 4BA + 8EST	1DD + 5BA
Driver size	10 mm	7 mm
Drivers per side	13	6
Impedance	16 Ω	-
Sensitivity	99 dB/mW	-
Features
Active noise cancelling	No	-
Design
Weight	12.2 g	-
Detachable cable	Yes	-
Connector	4.4 mm balanced	-

What reviewers said

FiiO FX17

The FiiO FX17 is a premium wired tribrid IEM that combines a 10mm dynamic driver, four balanced armatures, and eight electrostatic drivers per side for a detailed, multi-layered sound. Its titanium shell and five-way crossover aim to deliver a refined, high-resolution listening experience, while the included 4.4mm balanced cable offers versatility for audiophile setups.

Pro:Precision-milled titanium shell for durability and resonance control
Pro:Hybrid driver array (1DD + 4BA + 8EST) offers expansive treble and dynamic bass
Pro:Swappable plugs on the cable provide flexible connectivity

Con:No active noise cancellation, requiring a quiet environment or isolation tips
Con:High price point may limit accessibility
Con:16-ohm impedance may need a powerful source for optimal performance

Lime Ears Terra

The Lime Ears Terra is a well-regarded hybrid IEM that delivers a balanced, musical sound with a warm bass presence and controlled treble, making it a versatile all-rounder across genres. Its solid build quality and technical performance earn praise, though it stops short of class-leading status in refinement. The main trade-off is a slightly average bass texture for the price and a nozzle that may be uncomfortable for some listeners.

Pro:Balanced, musical tuning that suits a wide range of music
Pro:Solid build quality with premium materials
Pro:Good technical performance for its price class

Con:Bass texture is only average for the price
Con:Nozzle is long or thick, affecting fit for some
Con:Not class-leading in overall technical refinement

Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.

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